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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15246
45 days ago
93

a shade darker face - #15246

Advika

I am really worried because my face is looking a shade darker lately, and I can’t figure out why. I swear it only started after I got back from that beach vacation last month, but I was careful with sunscreen!! I noticed that my neck and my arms are still the same tone, but my face is just...off. It's like, even after washing my face, the color doesn’t really change. I've tried different cleansers, and even some brightening creams, but no luck. I can’t tell if it's from sun exposure or maybe something I ate? I also have this tiny little patch on my cheek that’s kinda rough, but my doctor said it was nothing serious. Do you think this darker shade might be related?? I feel like I need to see someone, but since I’ve dealt with skin issues before, like mild acne in my teens, this is really freaking me out!! Is skin discoloration common after sun exposure, like, could it just be temporary? Or should I be considering more serious reasons? It’s super frustrating and I want to go back to my normal color. Any advice from ya'll would be really appreciated!!

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Doctors’ responses

Changes in skin tone, especially after sun exposure, are not uncommon and could indeed be temporary. Even though you used sunscreen diligently, the sun can still cause uneven tanning or hyperpigmentation, particularly if sunscreen wasn’t reapplied every couple of hours or enough wasn’t put on. The fact that your arms and neck didn’t change as much is interesting but not unusual, as different areas have different sensitivities to the sun. The persistent darkening suggests a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can occur even from mild irritation. Since you’ve had skin issues before, you may be more prone to these changes. The rough patch your doctor said wasn’t serious should still be monitored; sometimes conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can cause those, but it doesn’t usually darken the entire face. A dermatologist could give more targeted advice and may prescribe treatments like retinoids or other creams that reduce pigmentation. Dietary changes usually won’t cause color changes unless you’re consuming high levels of certain substances like beta-carotene, which is rare. In the interim, continue your skincare but with gentle products. Sometimes, over-cleansing or using strong brighteners can inadvertently irritate and worsen pigmentation. Avoid harsh exfoliants and ensure you’re moisturizing well. If new symptoms appear or the conditions worsens, it’s a good idea to follow up with specialists.

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